My fingers shook as I stared at the photo of the shattered silver casing.

The screen dimmed, casting a gray glow over my knuckles.

Then, the phone began to vibrate in my palm.

The caller ID displayed Dr. Sterling’s office number.

I pressed the phone to my ear, my chest tightening.

“Evelyn,” his voice sounded thin and strained through the speaker.

“Dr. Sterling, I can explain the discrepancies in the sensor logs,” I said quickly.

“It is too late for explanations today, Evelyn,” he replied.

“The academic integrity committee met twenty minutes ago.”

“They have made a preliminary decision.”

My breath hitched in my throat.

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“Your doctoral degree has been officially suspended,” Sterling said.

“Pending a full, independent investigation into the alleged data fabrication.”

“But the original files were altered after I submitted the draft,” I said.

“I have the uncorrupted logs on my home drive.”

“Then you must produce them immediately,” Sterling said.

“Until you do, your academic status is revoked.”

“Your laboratory access has been deactivated.”

“I have already instructed the campus security team to change the locks on your office.”